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MarylandHB 00312025 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Consumer Protection - Right to Repair - Powered Wheelchairs

Sponsored By: Aaron M. Kaufman (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Commercial Law - Consumer ProtectionClaimsConsumer ProtectionContracts -see also- ProcurementGoods and Services -see also- Retail Sales; TermnSvc; TrfGdsIndustry and TechnologyLiabilityLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsMedical Equipment and DevicesPrices -see also- Consumer Price IndexRecords -see also- Land Records; Vital RecordsTrade SecretsUnfair Trade Practices

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

More repair options for powered wheelchair owners

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland law gives powered wheelchair owners and independent repair shops access to needed repair materials. Manufacturers must provide manuals, parts, built-in software, firmware, tools, and updates for covered repairs. Coverage includes batteries, chargers, nonprogrammable joysticks, joystick housings or brackets, wheel assemblies, nonpositioning accessories, anti-tip devices, and armrests. It also includes caster spheres, cosmetic covers, and nonpowered leg lowerers. Armrest positioning parts designed for adjustment only by a therapist or assistive-technology professional are excluded. Terms must match the manufacturer's best terms for authorized repair shops, with prices capped at the manufacturer's suggested retail price. Pricing must account for discounts, rebates, and incentives. Electronic manuals are free; paper-copy charges are limited to actual preparation, printing, and mailing costs. Repair software tools must be free during service, without prior manufacturer approval or internet access, and must preserve full equipment function. Independent shops must also receive what they need to reset security features disabled during covered service. Manufacturers need not supply unavailable parts and can protect trade secrets unless disclosure is needed for repair. Redactions cannot reduce repair usefulness, and secure delivery systems are allowed. Contracts cannot remove these repair protections or remedies; violations face Maryland consumer protection enforcement and penalties. The law applies prospectively and does not require changes to manufacturer agreements with authorized repair shops signed before October 1, 2025.

Wheelchair makers shielded from faulty independent repairs

Beginning October 1, 2025, wheelchair manufacturers are not liable for faulty or improper repairs by independent shops or owners. This includes resulting damage, loss of use, or reduced wheelchair function. The law leaves liability under product liability claims unchanged.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Aaron M. Kaufman

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Kevin B. Hornberger

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 166 • No: 17

Senate vote • 4/2/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 45 • No: 0 • Other: 2

House vote • 3/17/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 121 • No: 17

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 546

    5/13/2025

  2. Returned Passed

    4/2/2025House

  3. Third Reading Passed (45-0)

    4/2/2025Senate

  4. Second Reading Passed

    3/28/2025Senate

  5. Favorable Adopted

    3/28/2025Senate

  6. Favorable Report by Finance

    3/27/2025Senate

  7. Referred Finance

    3/17/2025Senate

  8. Third Reading Passed (121-17)

    3/17/2025House

  9. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/15/2025House

  10. Favorable with Amendments {333720/1 Adopted

    3/15/2025House

  11. Favorable with Amendments Report by Economic Matters

    3/15/2025House

  12. Hearing 1/21 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/8/2025House

  13. First Reading Economic Matters

    1/8/2025House

  14. Pre-filed

    9/27/2024House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/13/2025

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/15/2025

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/8/2025

    PDF

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